GA-ASI to Build Aircraft for Australia

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. announced it has reached a deal to provide its MQ-9 unmanned aircraft to Australia. The agreement was announced on Nov. 15 in San Diego and simultaneously Nov. 16 in Adelaide, Australia.

GA-ASI builds its Predator family of aircraft in Poway.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, and it was unclear how many aircraft the Poway company will build for Australia. IAI, the Israel-based unmanned aircraft maker, was reportedly trying to get the same deal.

The MQ-9 is also called Predator B or Reaper, and it is able to carry missiles. Australia was having a competition for an armed remotely piloted aircraft system.

GA-ASI has lined up 10 Australian suppliers for the Australian project. Linden P. Blue, GA-ASI’s CEO, said in a statement that the company intends to create “meaningful and enduring Australian jobs.”